Adjustable orthotic insole and a method of application the same

ABSTRACT

An adjustable orthotic insole and a unique method of implementation has a shell and a sole lifter that is to correct malalignment of lower extremities and other functions such as cushioning, massage, etc are not anticipated. The distribution of ground reaction force is changed due to the orthotic effect of the sole lifter. A user adjusts position and thickness of the sole lifter incessantly until malalignment of lower extremities is restored to optimal alignment symmetrically. The present invention employs a unique method that the sole lifter is always opposite to rear foot lifter. Once the malalignment of lower extremities is corrected by the orthotic insole, the user would be able to maintain good posture and ambulate in ideal gait. Therefore, symmetric and coordinated movements are harmonious with balanced muscle function. The musculoskeletal system would be protected from overuse injury.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is an adjustable orthotic insole and a uniquemethod of application, which is used to correct malalignment of lowerextremities. Malaligned structures of lower extremities are predisposedto overuse injury. Therefore, a speculation is provided to preventmusculoskeletal system from overuse injuries that may be achievedthrough the correaction of malaligned lower extremities.

2. Description of Related Art

Defective structures of lower extremities are common in generalpopulation. These structural deformities include, but not limited to,lower limb length Inequality, flat foot, cavus foot, knock-knee,bow-leg, just name a few. The afflicted people are vulnerable to musclefatigue, joint pain, as well as poor posture. It has been welldocumented that poor posture is closely associated with musculoskeletalpain. There is a general consensus among medical professions that it ishighly unlikely to develop musculoskeletal pains if someone has idealposture. Based on contemporary studies of anatomy and biomechanics,criteria of ideal posture are established. However, almost none of idealposture has ever been found in one person. Good posture can not bemaintained without good support, which are lower extremities. Forinstance, lower limb length inequality has been recognized as a majorcontributing factor to scoliosis (side-bending spine).

In order to relieve musculoskeletal pains, medical professions havetried various methods to correct faulty posture. Physical and manualtherapies are usually utilized as primary conservative means.Custom-made and prefabricated foot orthosis are also frequently used. Inaddition, ankle-foot orthosis, knee joint orthosis, as well as pelvicorthosis are also available devices. If all of conservative means failto relieve pain symptoms, the final therapeutic means is usuallyresorted to surgical intervention. Surgery is potentially risky, andinevitably, costly. All of the available therapeutic means have limitedsuccess and long term outcome is unsatisfactory.

To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides anadjustable orthotic insole and a method of application to obviate ormitigate the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The rationale behind present invention employs a sole lifter toredistribute ground reaction force. To be advised that ground reactionforce is always present, no matter whatever means employed. However,when traumatic ground reaction force is redistributed or eliminated bythe sole lifter, malalignment of lower extremities would be corrected. Agood posture ensues.

The present invention consists of a shell, which houses front a solelifter. Various thickness of the sole lifter is available. The uniquefeature of present invention is the sole lifters are always opposite toeach other. The implementation of present invention employsneurobiofeed-back principle to achieve optimum correaction. A goodposture would be maintained and long term outcome is very satisfactory.

Based on the inconvenience of prior art, a present invention is designedas an adjustable orthotic insole and an unique method of application,which is used to correct asymmetry and malalignment of lowerextremities. If the lower extremities are well aligned and functionsymmetrically, the incidences of overuse injury are greatly reduced.

In order to meet the above demand, the technical means employed bypresent invention is to design a novel orthotic insole, which iscomposed of a shell and one or more sole lifter. Sole lifter correspondsto front foot or rear foot. The user applies at least one sole lifter tofulfill his/her specific demand. For instance, one foot or two feet maybe applied. While the user stands on the insole, the insole providesjoints optimal support, which ensues balanced muscle function. Inparticular, when structural asymmetry of lower extremities is present,the orthotic insole can correct the structural asymmetry. Through thecorrective effect of present invention, the user may ambulate in idealgait. Therefore, injuries associated with malalignment and asymmetry oflower extremities are prevented.

Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user afflicted with lower limb lengthinequality;

FIG. 2 through FIG. 7 are top views of several embodiments of anadjustable orthotic insole when the user is testing;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of anorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view in a partial section of the adjustableorthotic insole in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention; 1FIG. 13 is a cross-section view in a partial section of a fifthembodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-section view in a partial section of a sixthembodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 is cm exploded perspective view of a seventh embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a eighth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a ninth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a tenth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a eleventh embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-section view in a partial section of a twelfthembodiment of an adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENT DESIGNATION

(10) shell (11) sole lifter (10A) shell (11A) sole lifter (10B) shell(11B) sole lifter (10C) shell (11C) sole lifter (10D) shell (11D) solelifter (10E) shell (11E) sole lifter (10F) shell (101F) receptive holes(11F) sole lifter (111F) protrusive pins (10G) shell (101G) receptiveholes (11G) sole lifter (111G) protrusive pins (10H) shell (101H)hook-and-loop (11h) sole lifter (111h) hook-and-loop (10i) shell (101i)hook-and-loop (11i) sole lifter (111i) hook-and-loop (10j) shell (101j)keyway (102J) keyway (11J) sole lifter (111J) key (12J) accessory solelifter (121J) key (10k) shell (11k) sole lifter (12K) accessory solelifter (10L) shell (101L) hook-and-loop (11K) sole lifter (111L)hook-and-loop (112L) hook-and loop (12L) accessory sole lifter (121L)hoop-and-loop (10M) shell (101M) receptive holes (11M) sole lifter(111L) protrusive pins (112L) receptive holes (12L) accessory solelifter (121L) protrusive pins (20) user (21) left lower extremity (22)right lower extremity

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 8, a first embodiment of an adjustable orthoticinsole in accordance with the present invention for a forefoot having aplantar surface comprises a shell (10) and a sole lifter (11). The shell(10) has a top forefoot surface. The sole lifter (11) is positioned onthe top forefoot surface of shell (10) and in contact with the plantarsurface of the forefoot. The sole lifter (11) and the shell (10) areproduced as one solid piece, i.e. non-separable. In addition, the solelifter (11) may be wedge-shaped, tapering from toes toward heel. Thethickness of thickest end of the sole lifter (11) may varie between 0.1cm and 1.6 cm.

With further reference to FIG. 9, a second embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for a rear feetnear a heel having a plantar surface comprises a shell (10A) and a solelifter (11A). The shell (10A) has a top rear foot surface. The solelifter (11A) is positioned on the top rear foot surface of shell (10A)and in contact with the plantar surface of the rear foot near the heel.The sole lifter (11A) and the shell (10A) are produced as one solidpiece, i.e. non-separable. The sole lifter (11A) may be wedge-shaped andtapering from heel toward toes. The thickness of thickest end of thesole lifter (11A) varies from 0.1 cm to 1.6 cm.

With further reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a third embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention fora forefoot having a plantar surface has a shell (10B) and a sole lifter(11B). The sole lifter (11B) is attached to the shell (10B) via adhesivecement and corresponds to plantar surface of the forefoot. The solelifter (11B) may be wedge-shaped and tapering toward heel.

With further reference to FIG. 12, a fourth embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for a rear feetnear a heel having a plantar surface has a shell (10C) and a sole lifter(11C). The sole lifter (11C) is attached to the shell (10C) via adhesivecement and corresponds to the plantar surface of the rear feet near theheel. The sole lifter (11C) is wedge-shaped and tapering from heeltoward toes.

With further reference to FIG. 13, a fifth embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for aforefoot/a rear foot having a plantar surface has a shell (10D) and afoot lifter (11D). The foot lifter (11D) is attached to shell (10D) viaadhesive cement and corresponds to the plantar surface of theforefoot/the rear foot. The foot lifter (11D) is wedge-shaped andtapering from heel.

With further reference to FIG. 14, a sixth embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for aforefoot/a rear foot having a plantar surface has a shell (10E) and asole lifter (11E). The sole lifter (11E) is attached to either theforefoot or the rear foot position of shell (10E) via adhesive cementand corresponds to the plantar surface of the forefoot/the rear foot.The sole lifter (11E) is even thickness.

With further reference to FIG. 15, a seventh embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for a forefeethas a shell (10F) and a sole lifter (11F). The shell (10F) has aforefoot area and receptive holes (101F). The receptive holes (101F) areformed in forefoot area of the shell (10F). The sole lifter has asurface and protrusive pins (111F). The protrusive pins (111F) areformed on the surface of the sole lifter (11F) and secretively engage tothe receptive holes (101F) of the sole lifter (11F) to securely bond thesole lifter (11F) and the shell (10F) together.

With further reference to FIG. 16, an eighth embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for a rear foothas a shell (10G) and a sole lifter (11G). The shell (10G) has a rearfoot area and receptive holes (101G). The receptive holes (101G) areformed on the rear foot area of the shell (10G). The sole lifter (11G)has a surface and protrusive pins (111G). The protrusive pins (111G) areformed on the surface of the sole lifter (11G) and selectively engage tothe receptive holes (101G) of the sole lifter (111G) to securely bondthe sole lifter (11G) and the shell (10G) together.

With further reference to FIG. 17, a ninth embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for a forefoothas a shell (10H) and a sole lifter (11H). The shell (10H) has aforefoot area and a hook-and-loop (101H). The hook-and-loop (101H) ismounted on the forefoot area of the shell (10H). The foot lifter (11H)has a surface and a hook-and-loop (111H). The hook-and-loop (111H) ismounted on the surface of the foot lifter (11H) and selectively fastensthe hook-and-loop (101H) of the shell (10H) to securely bond the shell(10H) and the sole lifter (11H) together.

With further reference to FIG. 18, a tenth embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for a rear foothas a shell (10I) and a sole lifter (11I). The shell (10I) has a rearfoot area and a hook-and-loop (101I). The hook-and-loop (101I) ismounted on the rear foot area of the shell (10I). The sole lifter (11I)has a surface and a hook-and-loop (111I). The hook-and-loop (111I) ismounted on the surface of sole lifter (11I) and selectively fastens thehook-and-loop (101I) of the shell (10I) to bond the shell (10I) and thesole lifter (11I) together.

With further reference to FIG. 19, an eleventh embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention fora forefoot/a rear foot has a shell (10J) and a sole lifter (11I, 12J).The shell (10J) has a forefeet area, a rear foot area and two keyways(101J, 102J). The two keyways (101J, 102J) are separately formed on thea forefeet area and a rear foot area of the shell (101J). The sole lifer(11J, 12J) has a surface and a key (111J, 121J). The key (111J, 121J) isformed on the surface of the is sole lifer (11J, 12J) and selectivelyengage, the keyway (101J, 102J) of the shell (10J) to securely connectto the shell (10J) and sole lifer (11J, 12J) together.

With further reference to FIG. 20, a twelfth embodiment of an adjustableorthotic insole in accordance with the present invention for aforefoot/a rear foot has a shell (10K), a sole lifter (11K) and a leastone accessory sole lifter (12K). The shell (10K) has a forefoot area anda rear foot area. The sole lifter (11K) is mounted on the shell (10K)either on the forefoot area or the rear foot area of the shell (10K) andhas a surface. The at least one accessory sole lifter (12K) is mountedon the surface of the sole lifter (11K) to increase thickness of solelifter (11K). If the thickness of the sole lifter (11K) needs to fit adesire of a user, the more accessory sole lifter (12K) can be added onthe sole lifter (11K).

With further reference to FIG. 21, a thirteenth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention fora forefoot has a shell (10L), a sole lifter (11L) and a least oneaccessory sole lifter (12L). The shell (10L) has a forefoot area and ahook-and-loop (101L). The hook-and-loop (101L) is mounted on theforefoot area of the shell (10L). The sole lifter (11L) has two surfacesand two hook-and-loops (111L, 112L). Each hook-and-loop (111L, 112L) ismounted on each surface of the sole lifter (11L). The hook-and-loop(111L) is selectively engage to the hook-and-loop (101L) of the shell(10L) to connect to the sole filter (11L) to the shell (10L). The leastone accessory sole lifter (12L) has at least one surface and at leastone hook-and-loop (121L). The at least one hook-and-loop (121L) ismounted on the at least one surface of the least one accessory solelifter (12L) and selectively engage to the hook-and-loop (112L) of thesole lifter (11L) to combine the least one accessory sole lifter (12L)and the sole lifter (11L) together.

With further reference to FIG. 21, a fourteenth embodiment of anadjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present invention fora rear foot has a shell (10M), a sole lifter (11M) and a least oneaccessory sole lifter (12M). The shell (10M) has a rear foot area andreceptive holes (101M). The receptive holes (101M) are formed on therear foot area of the shell (10M). The sole lifter (11M) has a bottomsurface, a top surface, protrusive pins (111M) and receptive holes(112M). The protrusive pins (111M) are formed on the bottom surface ofthe sole lifter (11M) and selectively engage to the receptive holes(101M) of the shell (10M) to combine the shell (10M) and the sole lifter(11M) together. The receptive holes (112M) are formed on the top surfaceof the sole lifter (11M). The at least one accessory sole lifter (12M)has a surface and protrusive pins (121M). The protrusive pins (121M) areformed on the surface of the at least one accessory sole lifter (12M)and selectively engage to the receptive holes (112M) of the sole lifter(11M) to combine the sole lifter (11M) and the at least one accessorysole lifter (12M) together.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, a unique method of applyingan adjustable orthotic insole in accordance with the present inventionfor a user (20) having a left lower extremity (21) and a right lowerextremity (22) comprises acts of determining which lower extremities(21, 22) of the user (20) needs the shell (10) with the sole lifter (11,11A), comparing sensation of joint and muscle of the left lowerextremity (21) and the right lower extremity (22) of the user (20) andoptionally adding the accessory sole lifter (12J, 12K) to increase thethickness of the sole lifter (11, 11A).

The act of determining which lower extremities (21, 22) of the user (20)needs the shell (10) with sole lifter (11, 11A) comprises a testing anda comparing. The testing is the user (20) stands on the shell (10) withthe sole lifter (11), one of the user's lower extremities (21, 22)corresponding to the sole lifter (11). If the thickness of the solelifter (11) is not enough, the accessory sole lifter (12J, 12K) may bestacked up to increase the thickness of sole lifter (11). The comparingis the user (20) feels the sensation of joint and muscle of the lowerextremities (21, 22). The perception of comfort and relaxation of onelower extremity (21, 22) would indicate that the sole lifter (11) needsto be placed on the shell (10). When one lower extremity (21, 22) standson the shell (10) with the sole lifter (11), both lower extremities (21,22) would feel comfortable and relaxing simultaneously. If thecontralateral lower extremity (21, 22), standing on the shell (10)without the sole lifter (11), experiences uncomfortable and tight, thesole lifter (11A) may be placed in position. The sole lifter (11A) mayalter the thickness by stacking up accessory lifter (12J, 12K). Thethickness of the sole lifter (11, 11A) needs to be adjusted until bothlower extremities (21, 22) of the user (20) feels comfortable andrelaxing simultaneously. At this point, both lower extremities (21, 22)are symmetric, well-aligned, and balanced.

In summary, the decision for optimal placement of the sole lifter (11,11A) on the shell (10, 10A) is entirely dependent on the feedbacksensation of comfort and relaxation of both lower extremities (21, 22).

1. A method of optimal operation of a novel adjustable orthotic insolecomprising: a user with a right lower extremity and a lift lowerextremity, the user standing on an orthotic insole with a forefoot area,a rear foot area and a sole lifter being placed underneath either theright or the left forefoot area, position and thickness of the solelifter being adjusted incessantly until malalignment of lowerextremities reformed to demonstrate optimal alignment symmetrically. 2.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the lower extremities isnot remedied; the shell with the sole lifter located at the rear footarea of the shell is placed on the lower extremity opposite to the lowerextremity which already has the shell with sole lifter placedunderneath; the user adjusts position and thickness of the sole liftersincessantly until both lower extremities demonstrate optimal alignmentsymmetrically.
 3. The method as claim in claim 1, wherein the solelifter alters thickness by stacking up with accessory sole lifter. 4.The method as claim in claim 2, wherein the sole lifter alters thicknessby stacking up with accessory sole lifter.
 5. An adjustable orthoticinsole comprising a shell having a forefoot area; and a rear foot area;and a sole lifter be positioned on one of the areas of a shell having asurface.
 6. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 5,wherein the surface of sole lifter tapering from heel toward toes. 7.The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 5, wherein thesurface of sole lifter tapering toes toward heel.
 8. The adjustableorthotic insole as claimed in claim 6 further has at least one accessorysole lifter stacked on the sole lifter to increase thickness of the solelifter.
 9. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 7 furtherhas at least one accessory sole lifter stacked on the sole lifter toincrease thickness of the sole lifter.
 10. The adjustable orthoticinsole as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sole lifter, the shell and theaccessory sole lifter are connected by adhesive cement.
 11. Theadjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein the solelifter and the shell are produced as one solid piece.
 12. The adjustableorthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein the shell has receptiveholes formed on the shell; the sole lifter has protrusive pins formed onthe sole lifter and selectively engaging to the receptive holes of theshell and receptive holes formed on the sole lifter; the accessory solelifter has protrusive pins formed on the accessory sole lifter andselectively engaging to the receptive holes of the sole lifter.
 13. Theadjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein the shell hasa hook-and-loop mounted on the shell; the sole lifter has twohook-and-loops mounted on the sole lifter, one of the hook-and-loops ofthe sole lifter fastening to the hook-and-loop of the shell; theaccessory sole lifter has a hook-and-loop mounted on the accessory solelifter and fastening to the hook-and-loop of the sole filter.
 14. Theadjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 8, wherein the shell hasa key formed on the shell; the sole lifter has a keyway formed on thesole lifter and engaging to the key of the shell.
 15. The adjustableorthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sole lifter, theshell and the accessory sole lifter are connected by adhesive cement.16. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein thesole lifter and the shell are produced as one solid piece.
 17. Theadjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein the shell hasreceptive holes formed on the shell; the sole lifter has protrusive pinsformed on the sole lifter and selectively engaging to the receptiveholes of the shell and receptive holes formed on the sole lifter; theaccessory sole lifter has protrusive pins formed on the accessory solelifter and selectively engaging to the receptive holes of the solelifter.
 18. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9,wherein the shell has a hook-and-loop mounted on the shell; the solelifter has two hook-and-loops mounted on the sole lifter, one of thehook-and-loops of the sole lifter fastening to the hook-and-loop of theshell; the accessory sole lifter has a hook-and-loop mounted on theaccessory sole lifter and fastening to the hook-and-loop of the solefilter.
 19. The adjustable orthotic insole as claimed in claim 9,wherein the shell has a key formed on the shell; the sole lifter has akeyway formed on the sole lifter and engaging to the key of the shell.